An interview taken from our new digital issue. In a captivating exploration of art, fashion, and technology, Alexandra S. Aderhold takes us on a journey into the mesmerizing world of “Bitter Moon.” This exclusive interview delves into the creative process behind the project and shines a light on the philosophy that drives Aderhold’s work. From a young age, Aderhold embarked on a path as a visual artist, initially discovering her passion for photography at the age of 13. Throughout her artistic evolution, she has embraced various genres, eventually focusing on vegan nude, fetish, and porn art.
Her art reflects values of self-determination, consent, and the celebration of diversity. It was through this artistic journey that Aderhold found herself drawn to the “Bitter Moon” project.
The fusion of fetish fashion and AI-generated imagery in “Bitter Moon” serves as a powerful statement on avant-garde creativity and animal rights. Aderhold’s vision was to push the boundaries of artistic expression while highlighting the potential of technology to revolutionize the art world. She aimed to deliver a resounding message in this project – that art can captivate and inspire without exploiting animals or violating their rights.
Can you tell us about your journey as a visual artist and how it led you to collaborate on the “Bitter Moon” project?
My journey as a visual artist began at the age of 13 when I first picked up a camera. Over the years, I’ve explored various genres, and my work has evolved into a focus on vegan nude, fetish, and porn art. The emphasis in my art is on self-determination, consent, and showcasing the beauty of diversity.
The “Bitter Moon” project emerged from a desire to push creative boundaries and explore the intersection of art, fashion, technology, and ethics.
What inspired you to fuse fetishist fashion with AI-generated imagery in “Bitter Moon”?
The fusion of fetish fashion and AI-generated imagery in “Bitter Moon” was driven by a dual commitment to avant-garde creativity and animal rights. Embracing the potential of technology to revolutionise art, I aimed to deliver a powerful message – that in the modern era, we can create visually stunning narratives without exploiting animals and without violating animal rights.
The project underscores the principle that no sentient being should be used without consent for artistic endeavours or any other purpose. After all, there is a clear connection between veganism and my nude, fetish, and porn art; we should not violate the fundamental rights of other animals and use them as objects or treat them as our property without their consent just so that we can have leather whips, whipped cream, or even real animals on set.
It’s just not right.
When we understand the concept of consent, we also have to think about the animals and how they are not able to consent to any of that at all. The fusion in “Bitter Moon” is a testament to avant-garde art with ethical integrity.
In “Bitter Moon,” snakes are utilized as symbols of danger and desire. Can you elaborate on the significance of this motif?
Snakes represent the allure of the forbidden, the sensuality that comes with an element of risk. Snakes are archetypal symbols in many cultures, often associated with transformation and hidden knowledge.
In “Bitter Moon,” they become a visual metaphor for the complex interplay between danger and desire, akin to the risks one might seek in delving into a tarot session.
Tarot cards play a pivotal role in the visual narrative of “Bitter Moon.” How do they contribute to the mystical storytelling aspect of the project?
Since every single card features a unique coal drawing by Magdalena Piech, the cards perfectly came with a story of their own. Each card, meticulously illustrated by Magdalena Piech in coal, carries its own narrative.
Magda’s intimate involvement is portrayed as she models with her tarot set, reflecting the countless hours invested in each motif, painstakingly drawn and brought to life through coal before finding its place on the cards, designed and photographed by me.
The fusion of sensuality and avant-garde is prominently showcased in “Bitter Moon” through the use of skin-tight latex. How does this symbolize the intersection of art, fashion, and technology?
Latex is truly fascinating; its futuristic appearance and the fact that it’s derived from rubber trees give it a distinct texture and aesthetic. Personally, I believe latex represents a glimpse into the future of fashion, where plant-based materials will replace the skin of other animals, their hair, their silk, and their wool.
Working with such a forward-looking material is not just incredible; it has become one of my favourite aspects of photo shoots in recent years.
Read the full interview here:
Photography and visual design by Alexandra S. Aderhold /
www.aderholdprojects.com @aderholdprojects @earthling_aderhold
Model, makeup and styling: Magdalena Piech www.magdalenapiech.com / @mpiech.art
Interview by Marcel Schlutt
